All right, next installment.

[quote:dfeabc041c]
[b:dfeabc041c]me:[/b:dfeabc041c] One thing I haven't been able to figure out online - do companies
usually offer some kind of retirement/pension program?

[b:dfeabc041c]answer:[/b:dfeabc041c] I work for a company called Airways NZ, they have a scheme where for every
$1 I put in, they'll put in 2, up to 6% of my salary..this is not common
place. Not a lot of NZ companies have a pakage like that, it's because we
used to be government owned. A lot seem to offer dicount pakages through
major superannuation firms rather than their 'own' package. These may or
may not be discounted depending on who it is (Airways are always looking for
good tech guys!!!). All companies
are required by law to provide atleast 7 days sick leave per year, and 3
weeks annual leave (to be upped to 4 weeks in 2006). Some already have 4
but most of them close over christmas and require you to take one week then.
we have very good laws protecting employees rights in the country.

[b:dfeabc041c]me:[/b:dfeabc041c] I religiously read a few message forums for wannabe immigrants. There
seems to be quite a bit of concern about wages in NZ and disposable
income. It's common knowledge that wages there are lower than they are
in the UK or US for the same jobs. I'm curious, though, what the
average kiwi needs to do to get by. Does the average kiwi make enough
to support oneself, put a little towards savings, and have money to
enjoy leisure activities on the weekends? I know that kiwis in general
are less into material things - fancy TVs, stereos, and such. This is
probably an overly difficult and general question. I guess I'm trying
to get a feel for how far my salary will go, whether I'll be able to
continue to save towards retirement, make enough to pay for a plane
ticket back to the states every once in a while, etc. Obviously that
all depends on my job, the salary I manage to get, and my lifestyle.
Perhaps I shouldn't even be asking this question. I dunno.


[b:dfeabc041c]answer:[/b:dfeabc041c] As for the wages, we're pretty much on par with the US and the UK $ for $,
but the exchange rate lets us down. ie: a $40,000job in the US would still
get you $40,000 in NZ, but that only equates to about $30,000US. Fine if
you wanna stay and live in NZ, but make overseas travel a little expensive.
Having said that, NZers travle A LOT (since we soon run out of country over
here) and get prettyt cheap deals. I think you'll find most jobs in IT will
provide you with enough $$$ to buy some cool shit, I'm into toys myself (Big
TV's stereo, cars etc) and don't find that an expensive habit.

As for the women, they tend to be a lot less 'made up' than US girls...by
that I mean they may not look as stunning on first sight, but you've got a
way better idea what you'll find the next morning!!!


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I'm curious if anyone else has any answers to the questions I'm asking. I'd love to hear any input.

J